Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided insights into the team’s winning strategy following their comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in the second Test held in Kanpur. The win enabled India to complete a 2-0 clean sweep in the two-match series, kicking off their home season in dominant fashion.
Weather challenges in Kanpur Test
The second Test at Kanpur began under challenging conditions, as persistent rain cut Day 1 short, and similar weather on Days 2 and 3 led to the matches being called off. However, when play resumed on Day 4, India’s bowlers quickly took control, dismissing Bangladesh for 233 runs in their first innings before putting up a strong batting display.
India declared their innings after scoring 285 runs in just 35 overs, securing a lead of 52 runs. The early declaration appeared to be a tactical move, allowing India to attack Bangladesh with the ball again before the close of play on Day 4, where they reduced the visitors to 26/2 by stumps.
Indian bowlers dominate on the final day
Day 5 saw the Indian bowlers wreak havoc as they bowled out Bangladesh for a mere 146 runs, setting themselves a modest target of 95 runs for victory. The Indian batters chased down the target comfortably, finishing with seven wickets in hand to wrap up the series win in style.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli playfully winks at Litton Das after India’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test
Rohit Sharma explains the gameplan
Rohit explained that the team had to strategize carefully to ensure the game progressed towards a result. On Day 4, their goal was to dismiss Bangladesh quickly and then see how they could capitalize with the bat. The focus wasn’t just on scoring runs but on maximizing the number of overs they could bowl at Bangladesh.
Despite the pitch offering little help to the bowlers, the team made a great effort to extract a result. The batters were ready to take risks, and the team was committed to giving themselves a chance to win.
“To be honest we had to think a lot to keep the game moving forward. When we came on day four, we wanted to get them out as early as possible and see what we can do with the bat. It was not about the runs we get but the overs we wanted to bowl at them. The pitch didn’t have much for bowlers but to get a game out of that pitch was a great effort from the bowlers. The batters were willing to take the risk and we were ready to give ourselves a chance at a result,” said Rohit at the post-match presentation.
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